As autumn approaches a gentle end and winter is around the corner, we can look forward to a number of holidays during the month of April. Whether you are at home relaxing with a hot cup of chocolate or vacationing while experiencing our beautiful South African winters, SAA would like to wish you a happy and safe holiday season.

In spite of the holidays and cold weather we know the Comrades athletes will be training hard in these last few weeks before the race. If shopping and sight–seeing is more your style, be sure to catch the Rand Show.

If you have not yet booked your holiday or need some inspiration, be sure to see SAA’s South African & African specials.

Until next time, travel safe!

Destination of the month - London

Whether you arrive in London via the underground or inside one of the city’s ubiquitous black taxicabs, you will immediately be greeted by a deep sense of history and met with the unique vibrancy of this incredible destination.

London promises something for everyone. The London Eye lifts visitors high above the river into vistas that stretch tight across the fading skies. Further down on the South Bank, the Tate Modern contains one of the world’s most incredible collections of Modern Art, while the city’s 30,000 stores and boutiques will exhaust even the most avid shopper, and its 6,000 restaurants are only too eager to demonstrate why Britons revere their chefs as celebrities. For those interested in exploring the country’s heritage, the Tower of London is an excellent starting point. First constructed in the 11th century, the Tower has been rebuilt several times as later monarchs have left their mark.

One of London’s biggest attractions, and a great celebration of splendor that is free to all visitors, is the daily Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. As the great dome of St Paul’s reflects the colours of the setting sun, London comes alive with its unrivalled nightlife.

For those up for something more thrilling than dinner and the theatre, London has a vast number of bars and nightclubs catering to all tastes.

Once you have completed the check–in process, you will be issued an online boarding pass for each traveller in your party. Please print your boarding passes and take them with you to the airport, so that you may pass through check–in more quickly.

Showcasing Africa – Cotonou (Benin)

We are pleased with the introduction of yet another route to our African schedule as part of our plans to focus growth in Africa. Effective 17 May 2012 we will extend our new route from Pointe Noire in the Congo – which was introduced from 26 January – to also include Cotonou in Benin.

Cotonou will be served twice a week with an A319 aircraft. The flights are already available for sale in our reservations system.

Cotonou will be the fifth new destination on the continent that the airline has introduced since October last year. Ndola (Zambia), Kigali (Rwanda), Bujumbura (Burundi) and Pointe Noire (Congo) were other recent additions to our expansive route network in Africa.

SAA also has flying rights between Point Noire and Cotonou and introducing Cotonou as an add–on flight on the newly–opened route between Johannesburg and Point Noire, allows us to also serve this market. The flights have been timed to ensure easy connections with the rest of our route network.

Cotonou is the economic capital of Benin and the country’s largest city. In addition to being Benin’s largest city, it houses several of its government and diplomatic services including the Beninese seat of government.

Cotonou Skyline

Outbound from Johannesburg

Flight

Days

From

Departs

To

Arrives

SA082

Thursday

Johannesburg

09h40*

Pointe Noire

13h05*

SA082

Sunday

Pointe Noire

14h05*

Cotonou

16h40*

Inbound to Johannesburg

Flight

Days

From

Departs

To

Arrives

SA083

Monday

Cotonou

09h20*

Pointe Noire

12h00*

SA083

Friday

Pointe Noire

13h00*

Johannesburg

18h10*

*All times are local at departure/destination points.

SAA News - Priority Boarding

In alignment with our vision to maintain being the most awarded airline for customer service excellence out of Africa to the world and from the world to Africa, we have pleasure in communicating a new service offering that will position SAA as an airline where Customer Service continues to be at the core of our overall Corporate Strategy.

Priority Boarding for SAA flight departures from South African based airports

Our latest service initiative will allow passengers to enjoy Priority Boarding for SAA flight departures from airports within South Africa. After an initial 3 month assessment period, we are gearing ourselves to implement this initiative consistently effective 1 March 2012. Shortly after the South African airports roll–out, this initiative will be introduced worldwide creating consistency and professionalism globally.

Priority Boarding signage will be displayed at the boarding gates on the left hand-side of our boarding counters where the following qualifying premium customer segmentation can board:

Voyager Lifetime Platinum Members

Voyager Platinum Members

Voyager Gold members

Star Alliance Gold Members

SAA Business Class Travellers

In addition to the Priority Boarding for premium customers, we will be boarding from the back of the aircraft and boarding announcements will be made to facilitate this.

So what does this mean for us?

SAA is constantly striving to bring our customers new technology and innovations that make their travel experiences better, smoother and faster. That’s how we ensure we retain and even better our current Skytrax 4-star rating.

Whilst this service offering may change the way our customers board SAA flights within South Africa, there’s something that will never change, and that’s how much we value you and appreciate the loyal service you provide.

Upcoming Events

Welcome to the Rand Show 2012!

Last years Rand Show was definitely a time to remember! From the amazing performances by some of South Africa’s most talented individuals in the MiTalent competition to the spectacular displays by the SANDF. There was fun for all ages, with shopping, food, rides, shows & much more! So join us THIS year for more awesome entertainment!

The world’s greatest ultra-marathon, the Comrades is a gruelling test over 89km (56 miles) between Durban and Pietermaritzburg every year. The race alternates between the uphill run from Durban and the downhill from Pietermaritzburg, and is a real test of physical endurance. The winners usually take about five and a half hours to complete the course. In a break with tradition, it has been decided that 2012 will be another ‘‘down run’’, meaning that the race will start in Pietermaritzburg and finish in Durban for the third year.

The most significant tennis championship in the world, to date. The very first Wimbledon was held on 1877. Peculiarly the Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam event to not have a fixed date, the tournament lasts two weeks, or as long as necessary for all matches to be completed.

Wimbledon is the tennis event that makes or breaks players’ careers. Winning this Grand Slam is the ultimate for a professional athlete.

Partners of the month

Hilton Hotels and Resorts

The most recognized name in the industry, Hilton Hotels stands as the stylish, forward thinking global leader of hospitality. Today Hilton welcomes guests in more countries than any other full-service hotel brand, with more than 540 hotels and resorts in 78 countries across six continents. From inaugural balls and Hollywood award galas to business events and days to remember, Hilton is where the world makes history, closes the deal, toasts special occasions and gets away from it all.